What are the precaution and prevention tips to avoid ransomware attack?

Imagine a situation where you lost access to your memories as well as official documents that you have been saving for the past several years. You tried to access each of them, but they all seem locked and carry the same file extension. You contacted your friend and got to know you have encountered the ransomware attack. Adding more, what can be worse, when you even do not have a backup for the same?

Does this imply that your data is lost forever? On the contrary, No. Let’s look at how –

Before looking forward to a ransomware data recovery solution, is essential to have a better understanding of Ransomware. Read on to know more about Ransomware Virus Removal.

What is Ransomware?

Ransomware is synonymous with Malware or Trojan

It is a severe Online Threat

It can be called a PC based and Mac-based malicious software

Ransomware is a secure Revenue source for the cybercriminals

Ransomware is an online fraud that once enters your system to encrypt all data, locks PC and extorts money

A new malware that writers approach to gather funds for the illegitimate web activities

Types of Ransomware?

There are various types of ransomware:

1: Lock screen Ransomware

This type of ransomware usually locks the system and demands a ransom to grant you access.

2: Encryption Ransomware

This type of ransomware alters the files in the system and, in exchange, demands a specified amount to decrypt them.

3: Master Boot Record (MBR) Ransomware

This type of ransomware turns the operating systems in an unbootable state by overwriting affected PC MBR

4: Android Mobile Device Ransomware

This type of ransomware either permanently locks the mobile or steals its sensitive data, and later on, demands a ransom to unlock it or return the data.

5: IoT Ransomware

A more severe form of Ransomware. In this, the hackers are not interested in the data, rather in taking hold of the device.

What are the Forms of Ransomware?

Ransomware dates back to 1989. The worst thing about it is that it does not indicate any slowing down signs. Rather, it is evolving by the day. With the advancement in technology, increase in mobile device variant & Bitcoin, an anonymous payment method, it has become worse. Due to this, Cybercriminals are on the increase who are well-versed in evading law enforcement.

Some of the Known Ransomware Forms

Locky Virus

CryptoLocker Virus

TorrentLocker Virus

Pacman Virus

CryptoWall Virus

CryptoFortress Virus

WannaCry Virus

WannaCrypt Virus

Onion Virus

Wallet Virus

Gandcrab Virus

Bad Rabbit Virus

Cerber Virus

Crysis Virus

CTB-Locker Virus

GoldenEye Virus

Jigsaw Virus

KeRanger Virus

LeChiffre Virus

NotPetya Virus

Petya Virus

Spider Virus

TeslaCrypt Virus

ZCryptor Virus

What are the infection vectors of ransomware?

Ransomware Infection vectors are the reasons to get ransomware on your system. These are as follows:

Email Vector

Most common vector

Installed on a user’s machine

Involves email attachment masks as the innocuous file

In this type of a vector, the user usually receives an email with a link or an attachment to download. Now, when the victim opens it or install it without authenticating, it eventually results in a ransomware infection.

Drive-by-Download

A quickly-caught form of the Ransomware attack

Can be patched by software vendor easily

Have a stipulated time frame where software user is vulnerable

It is a cause of many infections. It occurs when a user visits the compromised website along with a software plug-in, an old browser or an unpatched third-party application that can cause machine infection. This compromised website uses its exploit kit, checks for known vulnerabilities, finds software bug and eventually exploits it for malicious code execution.

Free Software Vector

Most basic form

Comes in several forms such as free games, game “mods”, bogus software, screensaver, etc.

With the help of this vector, the user can easily bypass any email filter or firewall. It is basic as users directly download file on its own.

Symptoms of a Ransomware Attack

When you cannot open a file

If you see alarming messages on your desktop

When a program generates a warning message for a countdown

If you see a window on your system indicating instructions on how to pay for unlocking your files

Who is targeted by Ransomware Attack?

Anyone can become a target of the ransomware attack despite who you are, where you are, what device you are using? Thus, it can happen at any point, anywhere, and with anyone. It can occur when you are making a transaction, working, sending emails, surfing, and much more. The laptop, system, mobile devices, and tablets all become soft targets. It just has to locate a way to enter the device, and once it does, it simply employs the encryption as well as ransom strategies.

How Does Ransomware Virus Get on Your System?

Ransomware can get into your system by browsing untrusted websites

It can spread in your system by opening as well as downloading files from unknown email senders

It can infected system by Pirated software installation as well as outdated software programs

Ransomware can get into your system by accessing PC that is part of the infected network

What to Do After a Ransomware Virus Attack?

Remove the infected system from the Network

Check the status of Restore point; if it is healthy, then make attempts to restore

Format and reinstall Windows to restore your system and files using backed up data

Boot system in the Safe Mode plus launch a deep scan mode of the antivirus software

Try to identify the ransomware attack from

Check for ransomware Decrypt tool

Use Windows Unlocker to clean up ransomware infected Registry

Immediately report the ransomware case to the local cyber-crime cell

Precaution & Prevention Measures against Ransomware Virus

It is imperative for users to keep their Windows Operating System up-to-date. If you upgrade to Windows 10, you will reduce the events of the ransomware attack to the maximum extent.

Precaution

Prevention

Ensure to enable system protection as well as file history

Always back up your data on an external device

Stay alert to Phishing Emails

Say No to unknown links and download attachments from unrecognized sources

Say No to Macros loading in Office Programs

Always choose ‘Show hidden file-extension’

Do not use Remote Desktop feature as much as possible

Bid Goodbye to all files running from LocalAppData or AppData folders

Practice two-factor authentication

Say Yes to Application Whitelisting

Always access password-protected or safe internet connection

Enable AppLocker and the BIOS clock back setting

Always avoid surfing on illegal download sites which are generally a breeding ground websites for malware

Make sure to use EMET

Regularly update your antivirus software

Set Windows Scripting Host to the disable mode

Ensure proper security for your database

Instantly disconnect from the Internet

What if you are still not able to access your data?

There are three ransomware data recovery methods available for recovering encrypted ransomware data from any system. Let’s look at each.

1: Recover Encrypted/Deleted ransomware data from Backup:

Encrypted ransomware files can easily recover by restoring original files from the external backup device. This can be done only in case if you have maintained a regular backup of your computer data in an external Hard drive, SSD, SD card, Pen drive, cloud storage or other storage devices.

What if none of the above countermeasures and prevention work? Then, the next step would be to move to Ransomware Virus Removal Services. The services help you to recover your data seamlessly.

If a recommendation for the best recovery service provider is to be given, then go for Stellar Data Recovery Service Provider. The reason being, Stellar Data Recovery is a niche’ segment in the field of Data Recovery. Further, the Enterprise is ISO 9001:2015- QMS & ISO 27001:2013-ISMS certified and highly accredited for its safe, secure, fast, and reliable services. The firm has its strong foothold in Vashi, Noida, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Delhi, Gurugram, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Pune, and Hyderabad.

History of Ransomware Attack In India?

Gandcrab Ransomware Attack – A new version of ransomware virus“GandCrab“ detected recently, Jan’2018. And similar to other viruses, it encrypts the files on the infected computers and asks victims to pay dash cryptocurrency as a ransom. This malware has some intriguing features that had never been detected in this viruses category before. To prevent infection with ransomware, It is advised to keep back-ups of your important data, use a security solution, and avoid accessing links or files from unsolicited emails. Read more about what is the Gandcrab virus and how to recover data from after Gandcrab attack.

Wanna Cry Ransomware Attack –Wanna Cry Ransomware Attack is on rising and On Friday, 12 May 2017, a large cyber-attack, has been affected more than 230,000 computers across 150 countries including India and demanding ransom payments. The Wanna Cry Ransomware attack has been done by multiple methods, including phishing emails, links, documents and on unpatched systems as a computer worm.

Conclusion: Ransomware Attack is indeed an alarming situation. probably it can harm your reputation by breaching the privacy. Therefore, exercise above ransomware preventive measure to protect yourself from such situations. Further, if the effect of the Ransomware is such that none of the above solutions works, then you can opt for the suggested Ransomware Virus Removal Services to counter it.

About The Author

Sapna is a technical blogger and has been writing since 3 years. She is into technology and writes tech-based stuff. Her aims to provide knowledge to simple users by sharing tips and tricks about new technologies, DIY and Data Recovery Services.

Hi,
My system got infected from wannacry ransomware attack. I was working on my system and suddenly it was responding slow. I tried to open folders but it is not opening. And after a second I got an message that is “You are encrypted from “WannaCry”. Follow the instruction to unlock your files.
I have stopped working on my system. Please tell me what should I do. I have my office files inside the computer. Please give me a solution.

Hi Arvind,
Okay, that is fine you have stopped working and shutdown your PC. First I will advise you to do not think to pay them, there is no guarantee that after paying them you will get access of your data. WannaCry attack is a severe grade virus attack. And in some cases virus can be removed, but data recovery is possible you can contact us for Ransomware data recovery.

Hi,
My system got infected from and got message HELLO YOUR FILES HAVE BEEN ECCRYPTED DUE TO SECURITY PROBLEM WITH YOUR PC IF YOU WANT TO RESTORE THEM WRITE ID:——— TO THE MAIL ———-
I have stopped working on my system. Please tell me what should I do. I have my office files inside the computer.

Hi Manish,
If your system infected with the virus attack then I suggest you submit your media device to the data recovery providers to check whether data recovery is possible or not? And how much data can be recovered?

I also struggled with viruses but at one point I had a hard drive cracked. and here it was no longer a joke. because the data that was on the hard disk is very important to me. beginning with the children’s photos ending with working projects. I turned to specialists from the Stellar and they helped me. All the data was restored.

These processes are very good and useful, and mostly, to secure your data, take a backup of those, and regularly update with the system, by those, you can easily save your PC from the external viruses and ransomware.

Today we were found our data server got infected with Ransomware virus and not able to access our data. It might it was encrypted by the virus.
kindly guide us what to do in this case. We don’t mind taking help from you.
please call me on my cell 9821286829.

Hi my PC has been infected by virus where all the files are in UIYAGBSI File and there is a text in notepad that they demand ransom so that I can get back all the files including photos and videos everything. I had no idea what to do until I saw this website and try to get help from you. Please help me because i can’t loose it all. And also I didn’t back up any files because I never think it Will happen to me like this